When should foundation or centre lines be made in a sketch?

Foundation or center lines are fundamental elements of a sketch, and it is essential to establish them at the very beginning of the sketching process. These lines serve as reference points that help maintain consistency and alignment across all views of the design. By creating foundation or center lines first, you establish a clear structure for the entire drawing, which guides the placement and proportions of all other elements within the sketch.

This early placement of reference lines allows for accurate scaling and helps in visualizing how different components of the design will relate to one another. It ensures that the rest of the sketch can be developed symmetrically and proportionally, reducing the likelihood of errors as additional details are added.

In contrast, making foundation or center lines for only one view or not extending them to other views can lead to inconsistencies in the design. Making them very bold without attention to other features can distract from important details, while not doing them to scale can cause misinterpretations of size and placement. Therefore, establishing these lines at the onset is critical for an effective and coherent sketch.